Joe Schmidt Hints Ian Madigan Will Not Be Considered For Irish Selection Next Season

Ian Madigan’s move to Bordeaux next season may signal the end of his Ireland career. Madigan has served as back-up to Johnny Sexton for both club and country for the past few seasons, and while he may finally get his chance to start at 10 for his club, he may have sacrificed his international career to achieve that.

In discussing his options behind Sexton, Schmidt indicated that Madigan’s move would create more chances for the other provincial 10s – Paddy Jackson, Ian Keatley and Jack Carty.

“Ian Madigan has grown, Paddy Jackson has made some decisions really tough for us during this Six Nations,” Schmidt is quoted in the Irish Independent.

“Ian’s versatility to be able to cover a number of positions made him a little bit more attractive as a bench proposition, but Paddy’s entire game is coming on and it’s great to have him in camp, learning from guys like Johnny.

“That’s a progress that can continue. I know it’s unfortunate that Ian is going away and he’s hopeful of playing a couple of seasons at Bordeaux where he’s at No 10 and at the same time it gives an opportunity to Paddy and Ian Keatley.

“Unfortunately Jack Carty got injured, because he was another kid who you wouldn’t have thrown in the mix a while ago.”